School Time Performances
SOPAC Education announces the 2010–2011 School Time Performances, a series of student-oriented performing arts events offered to area schools throughout the year. These performances utilize the arts as an educational resource for students and teachers. Each performing arts group is selected for its cultural and educational value complementing the New Jersey State learning curriculum. This integrative program, weaves the performing arts into a variety of subject areas, including literature, science, music and dance. Study guides and lesson plans are provided to participating teachers.
Guided tours are also available before or after performances, offering a unique behind-the-scenes experience for the students and teachers.
2010–2011 School Time Performances
Butterfly: The Story of a Life Cycle
Hudson Vagabond Puppets
Monday, November 8 at 10am & 12NOON
Grades Pre-K - 3
Running Time: 60 mins
Curriculum Connections: Science, Performing Arts
Take a microscopic look at the insect world on the big stage! From her tiny egg we will follow the monarch Butterfly as she grows through her caterpillar state and makes the amazing metamorphosis in the chrysalis and her incredible 1,500 mile journey to Mexico. With her insect companions she will learn about her symbiotic relationship with Milkweed. She depends on it for food, home, and her unique form of defense against predators.
Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble
Monday, November 16 at 10AM & 12NOON
All Ages
Running Time: 60mins
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Music, History, Performing Arts, Physical Education
Combining lecture, demonstration, audience participation and live performance, Dance Theatre of Harlem's informal presentation on the art and science of classical dance offer students of all ages an engaging, informative and fun introduction to ballet. Led by DTH Ballet master and former company member, Keith Saunders, the DTH School Time Performance brings classical dance alive as the artists of the Dance Theatre of harlem Ensemble demonstrate jumping and turning, partnering and lifting, barre exercises and pointe work, otherwise known as sur le pointe, or dance that is performed on the tips of toes. In addition to learning about ballet technique, students are also interoduced to different components of dance theatre, such as lighting, costumes, live music and choreography.
The Nutcracker
New York Theatre Ballet
Friday, December 3 at 10AM
All Ages
Running Time: 60mins
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Music, History, Performing Arts, Phsyical Education
E. A. Hoffmann's fairy tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, first premiered in 1892 with music by Peter Tchaikovsky and choreographer Marius Petipa. New York Theatre Ballet's production, choreographed by Keith Michael, is the only hour-long Nutcracker, presented by a professional troupe, in the metro area. It is perfectly suited to the attention span of younger audience members, yet sophisticated enough for the most discerning adult.
Special Invitation: Parents, students and teachers are invited to return at 5:30pm for a master class with the dancers in the SOPAC Loft. Reservation required, call 973.382.1035 x401.
Leo Lionni's Swimmy, Frederick, Inch by Inch
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Wednesday, December 15 at 10AM
Grades Pre-K - 3
Running Time: 60 mins
Curriculum: Language Arts, Performing
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s latest production is drawn from Leo Lionni’s exquisitely crafted Caldecott Honor books, Swimmy, Inch by Inch and Frederick. Swimmy is a tiny fish who uses ingenuity to fend off danger. Frederick, a poetic mouse, makes everyday life an artful experience. A lovable inchworm shares his facility for measuring absolutely everything. All these stories provide wonderful scope for translation to puppet theatre through the gentle storytelling style which has earned international acclaim for Mermaid Theatre. The show features an assortment of innovative puppetry styles and imaginative lighting techniques as well as an original musical score.
SWIMMY: Published by Random House Children's Books, © 1963,1991 by Leo Lionni
FREDERICK: Published by Random House Children's Books, © 1967, 1995 by Leo Lionni
INCH BY INCH: Published by Astor-Honor Inc., © 1960,1988 by Leo Lionni
If You Give a Cat a Cupcake
Omaha Theater Company
Based on the book written by Laura Numeroff
and illustrated by Felicia Bond
Adapted for the stage by Brian Guehring
Monday, February 7 at 10AM
Grades Pre-K – 4
Running Time: 60mins
Curriculum Connections: Story-Telling with Slapstick, Pratfalls, and Other Physical Comedy, Reading, Nutrition, Performing Arts/Theater/Stage Combat, Physical Education, Language Arts, Geography, and Communication with an Emphasis on Persuasive Rhetoric.
First there was the Mouse - then the Pig - now, here comes the Cat! Based on the newest installment in the zany “If You Give A . . .” book series, Omaha Theater brings this madcap world premiere production with music to the stage. The Cat asks his new friend Laura for some sprinkles, naturally they spill on the floor - and the hijinks ensue! The audience takes a “world-wind” tour following the antics of the Cat as he travels to the beach, the gym, the mountain, the museum and the lake. Ultimately the Cat and Laura make their way back home to where the sprinkles and another cupcake await them.
Three Classics by Mercer Mayer
Omaha Theater Company
"There’s An Alligator Under My Bed"
"A Nightmare In My Closet"
"Something In My Attic"
Adapted for the stage by James Larson
Music and Lyrics by Stuart Kenny
Monday, March 7 at 10AM & 12NOON
Grades Pre-K – 4
Running Time: 60mins
Curriculum: Story-Telling with Comic Invective, Reading, Performing Arts/Theater, Music, Dance, Language Arts, Voice/Singing, and Communication with an Emphasis on Negotiating, Problem-Solving, and Risk Assessment
How does the little boy get over that big alligator that lives under his bed? Or another child command his toy soldiers to protect him from the Big Nightmare that lives in his closet—or is it the Big Nightmare that needs to be protected? And what about the little girl who lassos the Silly Scary Thing that lives in her farm house attic, to show it to her parents? What would you do? Omaha Theater’s original musical production is designed with vivid and imaginative costumes and scenery, where the Alligator under your bed, the Nightmare in your closet and the Thing in your attic become your best friend.
Reservations & Pricing
To make a reservation, contact SOPAC Group Sales at 973.382.1028 or e-mail groups@SOPACnow.org
Tickets are $12 per person for groups with fewer than 50 people. Group pricing applies per sale when purchasing tickets in bulk for one or more shows.
50-99 tickets: $11 per person
100-149 tickets: $10 per person
150-249 tickets: $9 per person
Over 250 tickets: $8 per person
Payment
A 50% deposit is due ten business days from date of reservation. Payment can be made by mail, phone, fax or in person. Final payment is due 15 business days prior to the performance. If reservations are made less than one month before the event, full payment is due 15 business days prior to the performance. Payment in full is required before the performance date. SOPAC Education accepts Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover Card (3% fee applied to all credit card charges), as well as checks (made payable to SOPAC). Please note that any reservations which remain unpaid past stated due dates may be released for sale.
Questions about our shows? Contact SOPAC Education at 973.275.1114, x401 or email jenny@SOPACnow.org.